Summary: Australia's top digital currency exchanges are renowned for their dedication to offering an exceptional user experience, featuring straightforward registration processes and a wide range of investment choices. These platforms blend ease of use with adherence to the stringent guidelines laid down by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), ensuring a safe and reliable trading environment.

In our detailed review, we identified the top 5 cryptocurrency exchanges in Australia, each notable for their rigorous compliance with AUSTRAC standards, diversity of supported digital assets, and their distinct features and services:

  1. eToro - Best Overall Exchange in Australia
  2. Kraken - Best Exchange for Asset Transparency
  3. Bybit - Best Derivatives Trading Platform
  4. CoinSpot - Best Australian Crypto Exchange
  5. Independent Reserve - Best for Institutions
Table of Contents

Best Crypto Exchanges in Australia

Our expert team conducted a focused analysis to identify top cryptocurrency exchanges for Australian users. The review emphasised compliance with AUSTRAC and ASIC regulations, prioritising user security and legal adherence. We assessed each platform's user interface for ease of use, transparent fee structures, and analysed available features and cryptocurrency variety. Following this rigorous evaluation, we selected the top five digital currency trading platforms in Australia.

1. eToro

eToro tops the list in Australia for its comprehensive blend of user-friendly features, diverse investment options, and robust security measures. It's highly regarded for its social trading platform, allowing users to mimic the trades of experienced investors, which is particularly appealing for beginners. eToro's expansive asset coverage, including a wide range of cryptocurrencies, stocks, and commodities, caters to varied investor interests. The exchange also stands out for its transparent fee structure and dedicated customer support, making it a well-rounded choice for both beginner and advanced traders in the Australian market.

  • Minimum Deposit: $50 for first-time deposit.
  • Supported Assets: 4,500+ Cryptocurrency, Stocks and ETFs.
  • Regulation: Registered with AUSTRAC and regulated by ASIC.
  • Fees: Costs include 1% for buying or selling a cryptocurrency, conversion fees for AUD to USD, as all trades are made in US Dollars, and a $5 withdrawal fee to bank accounts. There are no monthly or maintenance charges on the exchange.
eToro - Best Overall Exchange in Australia.
eToro - Best Overall Exchange in Australia.

2. Kraken

Kraken earns its spot as the best exchange for asset transparency in Australia through its commitment to providing clear and detailed information on asset holdings. It is known for its extensive security measures and deep liquidity, making it a trustworthy choice for serious traders. Kraken supports many cryptocurrencies and offers advanced trading features like margin and futures trading. The platform also has a dedicated customer support team available 24/7 to assist with any queries or issues, making it a reliable and user-friendly choice for cryptocurrency trading in Australia.

  • Minimum Deposit: $50 for first time deposit.
  • Supported Assets: 200+ Cryptocurrency.
  • Regulation: Regulated by the AUSTRAC.
  • Fees: Costs include a 0.26% fee for spot trading, and the maker/taker rebate is 0.02%/0.05%.
Kraken - Best Exchange for Asset Transparency.
Kraken - Best Exchange for Asset Transparency.

3. Bybit

Bybit specialises in derivatives trading, offering perpetual contracts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 990 other cryptocurrencies. The platform allows traders to use up to 25x leverage, providing opportunities for significant profits. It also employs an insurance fund to mitigate the risks of leveraged trading. To support traders, it offers a range of tools and features, including advanced charting options and real-time analytics. Transparency is a priority for Bybit, and they provide regularly audited proof of reserves, showing all user's assets are backed on a 1:1 basis, providing peace of mind for its users.

  • ‍Minimum Deposit: $20 for first-time deposit.
  • Supported Assets: 910+ Cryptocurrency.
  • Regulation: Registered with AUSTRAC.
  • Fees: Costs include a 0.1% fee for spot trading, 0.01% fee for maker orders, and 0.06% for taker orders on futures markets. Deposits and withdrawals in AUD are completely free of charge.
Bybit - Best Derivatives Trading Platform.
Bybit - Best Derivatives Trading Platform.

4. CoinSpot

CoinSpot is an Australian exchange that focuses on simplicity and user-friendliness, making it ideal for those new to cryptocurrency trading. The platform supports over 420 assets, from popular ones like Bitcoin and Ethereum to lesser-known altcoins. It offers a variety of standout features, such as staking services, an NFT marketplace, crypto bundles, and a crypto debit card. The platform also provides robust customer support through live chat and email. Security measures include two-factor authentication and cold storage for most digital assets, ensuring a safe trading environment for beginners.

  • Minimum Deposit: $50 for first time deposit.
  • Supported Assets: 420+ Cryptocurrency.
  • Regulation: Registered with AUSTRAC.
  • Fees: 0.1% fee for trading crypto with the Market Buy feature and 1% fee when using the Instant Buy feature. Most AUD deposits are free but others vary between 0.9% - 2.58%. Withdrawals to Australian banks are free.
CoinSpot - Best Australian Crypto Exchange.
CoinSpot - Best Australian Crypto Exchange.

5. Independent Reserve

Independent Reserve caters to the needs of institutional investors in the Australian market. The platform offers advanced trading options, including an Over-The-Counter (OTC) desk for executing large-volume trades. It is fully compliant with Australian regulations and even offers insurance coverage for digital assets, adding an extra layer of security and trustworthiness. Independent Reserve also provides tax reporting tools and other compliance features, making it easier for institutions to manage their cryptocurrency portfolios in line with regulatory requirements.

  • Minimum Deposit: $100 for first time deposit.
  • Supported Assets: 30 Cryptocurrency.
  • Regulation: Registered with AUSTRAC.
  • Fees: Buying and selling cryptocurrency costs 1%, depositing and withdrawing AUD is free.
Independent Reserve - Best for Institutions.
Independent Reserve - Best for Institutions.

Is Crypto Regulated in Australia?

The cryptocurrency landscape in Australia represents a dynamic and essential part of the country's financial fabric, operating within a well-defined regulatory structure. The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) is at the helm of cryptocurrency regulation in Australia. Its responsibilities include monitoring the crypto market to strike a balance between nurturing sector growth and protecting Australian investors.

To fulfill these goals, AUSTRAC enforces a comprehensive set of guidelines for cryptocurrency exchanges in Australia. These regulations encompass measures for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing, in line with the global standards. As a key player in the global financial system, Australia places significant emphasis on adhering to these regulations to ensure a secure and transparent environment for cryptocurrency transactions.

‍How to Buy Bitcoin in Australia

For those in Australia eager to explore the world of cryptocurrency, eToro stands as a top choice. This platform accommodates AUD deposits using various methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and POLi seamlessly integrating with Australia's financial infrastructure. eToro grants access to a wide range of assets, including cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, and commodities.

Here's a simple guide to start trading Bitcoin in Australia:

  1. Register an Account: Sign up on eToro and complete the necessary identity verification process.
  2. Deposit Australian Dollars: Navigate to the 'Deposit Funds' section and add funds to your account using your preferred method.
  3. Search for Bitcoin: Utilise eToro's search function to locate Bitcoin and select the 'Trade' option.
  4. Invest in Bitcoin: Specify the amount you wish to invest in Bitcoin and click 'Open Trade' to complete your purchase.
How to Buy Bitcoin in Australia.
How to Buy Bitcoin in Australia.

Australian Tax Requirements

In Australia, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides specific tax guidelines for cryptocurrencies, setting clear rules for both individuals and businesses. Australian residents holding cryptocurrencies are required to declare their value for tax purposes, which can affect their capital gains tax obligations. Unlike some countries, Australia considers capital gains from these digital assets as taxable.

For Australian businesses and self-employed individuals, cryptocurrencies are treated as business assets. As such, both income and capital gains taxes are applicable. Revenue generated from activities like mining, staking, or lending cryptocurrencies falls under business income and is taxed according to the applicable tax brackets. Additionally, Goods and Services Tax (GST) may apply to certain transactions involving cryptocurrencies, in line with the standard GST regulations.

Final Thoughts

To wrap up, Australia's cryptocurrency market has matured into a robust and reliable environment, offering a diverse range of exchanges that cater to different needs, from beginners to institutional investors. Platforms like eToro, Kraken, Bybit, CoinSpot, and Independent Reserve not only provide varied investment opportunities but also align with Australia's strong regulatory framework led by AUSTRAC. These regulations ensure a secure trading space, maintaining a balance between market growth and investor protection.